How To Fight For LGBTQIA+ Rights On Coming Out Day

Oct. 11, 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Coming Out Day, a national, annual awareness day aimed at raising the voices of those in the LGBTQIA+ community and highlighting their experiences. On this day, we celebrate those people who have courageously come out. It's also a stellar time to turn your support into action. Wondering how to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights? Whether you’re a straight ally or a member of LGBTQIA+ community, there are plenty of ways that you can make a difference on Coming Out Day.

Indeed, there have been some significant strides toward equality in recent years. In 2017, a record-breaking 68 out of 506 Americancities earned perfect scores for advancing LGBT-inclusivepolicies and practices, according to a report by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute. Specifically, the organizations highlighted progress on transgender equality: 25 cities revised their employee health care plans to cover health services for transgender citizens.While just five U.S. cities offered these services in 2012, that number surged to 111 cities nationwide in 2017. On top of that, more cities have modified administrative policies to squash discrimination — 18 cities updated their equal employment opportunity policies to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community is increasing around the world, however, there have also been many setbacks — meaning there is still much work to be done.

Given the current politicalclimate, taking action can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a number of approaches you can take to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, and Coming Out Day serves as the perfect time to do so. Whether you're a member of the community or an ally— here are few ways you can aid in the effort to bring about positive change, according to Clare Kenny, GLAADDirector of Youth Engagement.

Support the Equality Act.

Here’s a startling fact: It’s still legal to discriminate against a person for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Obviously, this complicates a lot of aspects of LGBTQIA+ individuals’ daily lives, including getting insurance, finding housing, applying for college, and landing a job.

"All people, LGBTQIA+ and allied, should commit to learning more about the issues the most marginalized members of our community face," Kenny tellsElite Daily.

While our country’s civil rights laws already protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and religion, The Equality Act would amend existing law to provide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQIA+ people. This bipartisan act, which was introduced in May 2017, had 241 original co-sponsors— a new record for the most congressional support any pro-LGBTQIA+ legislation has ever gotten upon introduction. A number of big companies, including Facebook, Google, American Airlines, and Ben & Jerry[']s, support the Equality Act. Now it’s your turn to show your support by adding your name to the list of Americans calling your senators, and encouraging them to pass the Equality Act.

Pledge to vote in the midterm elections.

Whether you know it or not, the midterm elections — which are held at the midpoint of the president’s four-year term in office — are crucial, and they’re coming up on Nov. 6.For this election, 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 seats in the Senate are at stake. One of the most concrete ways you can get involved is by casting your vote — especially since the turnout at midterm elections is typically lower than it is for the presidential year elections. In fact, the 2014 midterms saw the lowest turnout in 70 years, with just 36.4 percent of the eligible population casting their vote, according to the United States Elections Project.

“This National Coming Out Day, show your LGBTQIA+ friends you care by registering and pledging to vote in the midterm elections,” says Kenny. “Far too many young people take for granted that we have grown up in a more accepting America for LGBTQIA+ people by not voting for progressive candidates or by voting at all."

Even more concerning is the fact that with each incident of harassment, the risk of self-harm among LGBT youth becomes 2.5 times more likely, according to Mental Health America. On top of that, LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight counterparts, according to the William Institute. Unfortunately, many states and school districts still aren’t doing much to prevent this. In fact, only 20 states and the District of Columbia have anti-discrimination or anti-bullying laws to protect LGBT students, and roughly 55 percent of LGBT youth live in states that with no laws that shield them from discrimination.

If you found those statistics to be shocking, worrisome, or downright unacceptable, look into how you can do your part to stop bullying. Additionally, recall that bullying isn't only an amongst kids — stand up to those who belittle others by attempting open up a dialogue. Enter a conversation from a nonjudgemental place, and defend voices that are often marginalized and not given a platform. Additionally, consider seeking out support groups, resources, or counselors for advice.

"Transgender people, queer people of color, bisexual people, and queer women face are often subjected to discrimination for a multitude of reasons in addition to their sexuality," says Kenny.

Find out more about your state’s anti-bullying laws and policies. Locate an Anti-Violence Project in your area — this group addresses the pervasive problem of violence committed against the LGBTQIA+ community through educational programs and training. You can also find out more about university anti-violence and crime prevention programs through Stop the Hate.

Contact your local reps.

It’s easier than ever to connect with your local representatives now that the internetprovides contact information for them — take advantage of that reach out to voice your support for LGBTQIA+ rights. Believe it or not, this simple act can actually make a difference. According to a 2015survey of senior congressional staffers, personalized emails and letters are more effective than the telephone in terms of influencing lawmakers’ opinions. So it may be worth the time and effort to put your support into writing rather than dialing their office. First, make sure you’re up to date — the HRC offers a state-by-state overview of news surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues.

Remember: Coming Out Day is just one day, and while your participation is valuable, it's imperative that you take up this fight beyond Oct. 11.With every action you take, you could potentially be helping LGBTQIA+ receive equal opportunity and treatment as their peers.